The Gallop Out

I'm going to the Breeders' Cup!

For the past week and a half, I've been going to bed early and getting up early in an effort to lessen the effect of jet lag when I travel back in time to the eastern time zone. I went to bed at 8:30 p.m. last night and woke up at 3:15 a.m. In Louisville, I'll have to get up three hours earlier just from the time zone change, and another three hours earlier on top of that to go to morning workouts each day!

Tomorrow, assuming all goes well, I'll wake up at 2:30 a.m., leave the house at 3:30 a.m., arrive at the airport at 4:30 a.m. , depart at 6 a.m. and arrive at 2:30 p.m. Then ensues eight days of all horse racing, all the time, including races and farm visits.

A primary reason I made the late decision to attend is that my editor at California Thoroughbred magazine, Rudi Groothedde, was able to get me credentials for the event. It will be the first time I get to enjoy the luxury of shooting with credentialed access, and I plan to use it to my great benefit. I also got credentials for Arlington Million Day this year, but I was never able to enjoy them after I cancelled my flight following the death of Tuscan Evening.

I am already stressed out packing for the trip, but I hope to have a great time, rain,snow or shine!